News

Culver resigns as city's finance director to take new position in San Mateo

Pleasanton's Finance Director Dave Culver has resigned his post to accept the same job with the city of San Mateo starting July 6.

Culver's resignation came on the heels of the City Council's consideration of the city's $180-million opersting budget and capital improvement program for the 2010-11 fiscal year, which begins July 1. That budget, prepared by Culver and his finance department, is actually a mid-year update of a two-year budget the council accepted for the current fiscal year, which has been updated quarterly over the last 12 months because of changing economic trends and lower-than-anticipated revenue.

Culver was hired by Pleasanton 4-1/2 years ago from Santa Cruz, where he was that city's Director of Finance and Treasurer. He succeeded Sue Rossi, a 31-year veteran of public service, including the last 28 with Pleasanton.

In his new position in San Mateo, Culver will report to San Mateo City Manager Susan Loftus.

Culver will have financial responsibilities for a larger city with a population of 96,000, compared to Pleasanton's 68,000, and also will serve as ex-officio treasurer of the San Mateo Redevelopment Agency, an active group that provides millions of dollars in funding for major capital improvements in that city.

"Although redevelopment agencies have few problems these days with the state taking away their funds, which is not necessarily a plus right now, in big picture long-term these agencies give you additional flexibility and tools you might not have otherwise financially," Culver said.

San Mateo is also in the process of sharing services with proposals that could include combining and consolidating public safety organizations such as police with adjacent cities, including Burlingame and San Carlos, Culver added.

"That, along with proposals for high speed rail--a hot topic there--will make for challenging responsibilities," Culver said.

Culver said his last day on the job in Pleasanton will be June 26. His wife Michele is a real estate broker with KB Homes. The couple expects to continue living in Pleasanton for the time being.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed being part of Pleasanton," Culver said. "The city staff here is great and the council has been terrific."